Thinkpads Forum

I'm debating between an X200 and a T400s to replace my T60, and I have a few questions for the X200 users out there.

Most importantly, what do you think of the screen size for long periods of use? Unfortunately, there are no Lenovo sellers near me so I am buying sight unseen. I've played around a bit with an Asus netbook, but that has a glossy screen so that's a bit of a different experience. Basically, do you think the resolution is good enough to make up for the small size? On a similar note, since the keyboard is full sized, does that leave sufficient room for a palm rest?

A minor issue is the thickness. At 1.4", it seems a little thick for ultraportables, so I was wondering if anyone has found this awkward.

I guess my other important concern is reliability. My main reservation about the T400s other than its not ideal battery life is the fact that there seem to be a surprising number of reports of quality issues among actual users (the formal reviews by PC World, CNET, etc don't mention this), and while I haven't seen any such complaints about the X200, I thought it might be a good idea to ask.

About the screen: There are two resolutions you can get on the X200... 1280x800, and 1440x900. I've got the lower of the two and find it adequate for most usage... it's about the most usable for a 12.1" notebook, in my opinion. You can get 1440x900 if you need more real estate, though. As far as the physical form factor goes it's definitely workable, although you might want to consider getting an Ultrabase docking slice as well as an external monitor/keyboard/mouse setup if this is going to be your primary computer. You'll find the X200 to be a great step up from a netbook in terms of experience, but the palmrest definitely is a bit short. I tend to angle my hands out to the sides a bit to get better support whilst typing.

As far as reliability goes I've never heard of any major issues with the X200... they're very solid systems that can take a lot and keep on giving. In my opinion it's just about the perfect notebook. The battery options and life will be better than the T400s, especially since you can get up to a 9-cell battery on the X200... I'm getting about four hours out of a slightly degraded 6-cell, and would get about 5-6 out of a new one by my estimates. 9-cells should get around 8-9 hours depending on usage.

My admittedly biased opinion would be to get the X200 over a T400s. Footprint is also a factor in my search for an ultraportable, not just weight and battery life. The only major con to the X200 is the lack of an optical drive, and even then I don't use an optical drive enough for it to really mater.

LegendaryKA8 wrote:About the screen: There are two resolutions you can get on the X200... 1280x800, and 1440x900. I've got the lower of the two and find it adequate for most usage... it's about the most usable for a 12.1" notebook, in my opinion. You can get 1440x900 if you need more real estate, though.

That's not quite right. The WXGA+ (1440x900) display was only ever offered on the X200s. The X200 only shipped with a WXGA panel.

A minor issue is the thickness. At 1.4", it seems a little thick for ultraportables, so I was wondering if anyone has found this awkward.

Not at all. While the MacBook Air lets its users brag about how thin it is, the X200 is light, easy to carry, and well-balanced. It's easy to pick up, easy to keep a firm grip on it, and easy to take with you wherever (and however) you work.

Most users don't need a thin notebook as much as they need a portable one. The X200 is the (second) best portable notebook that I've ever used, and the best widescreen ultraportable, hand-down.

I guess my other important concern is reliability. My main reservation about the T400s other than its not ideal battery life is the fact that there seem to be a surprising number of reports of quality issues among actual users (the formal reviews by PC World, CNET, etc don't mention this), and while I haven't seen any such complaints about the X200, I thought it might be a good idea to ask.

I currently have an X200 and have previously had an X200s. While I complained pretty loudly about the "fit and finish" issues with the X200s, I'm pleased to say that the X200 is free of pretty much all of those, with the sole exception of some slightly-too-flexible plastic below the buttons. Still, that's a comparatively mild gripe, and the machine feels much, much more solid than its lighter brethren.

ThinkRob wrote: That's not quite right. The WXGA+ (1440x900) display was only ever offered on the X200s. The X200 only shipped with a WXGA panel.
.

Thanks for the correction... should have remembered that from when I was looking for one.

I don't really use my notebook all day, more likely a couple hours or three, but I've never felt it's too small while using it. While you're not getting the resolution on the X200, I find scrolling on the stick to be effortless, which mitigates the loss in resolution.

I find the X200 has enough palm rest for me. I find it completely portable. Of course my last notebook was a 15" R60. Most other notebooks will seem small by comparison. I've not had any issues with my X200, but I've only had it for a few months now.